Cloquet to DeSoto, WI - September 16-23

Our last week in Cloquet, Lord willing, until next spring. The weather continued to be wonderful, and other than one day of fog and rain there was bright sunshine almost every day. The leaves are barely starting to turn, but with the cool nights and very warm days the leaves should turn quickly.

We watched MacKenzie's soccer team continue to be undefeated, with the exception of one tied game between the Cloquet Jacks (in purple) and Duluth Heights:  1:1. 

MacKenzie #3

We were blessed to meet up with our friends Ron and Kathryn for lunch on Tuesday in Moose Lake, Minnesota (about ½ hour from my mom's). They were on the way south to Rochester, MN to have Ron's knee checked out, as he's been having issues with it for quite a while. We met them in Grand Portage; you meet the nicest people on the road...

That evening we played Pegs and Jokers with Dave and Jan (Mom's neighbors); series total--women still rule: gals 4, guys: 3. Whoohoo!!! Dave surprised us with a Swedish almond cake topped with lingonberries. YUMMY! Thanks, Dave. Looking forward to what you might serve next time!

The rest of the week was pretty uneventful. MacKenzie tried out for the high school play, “Oliver.” She was selected as an extra (she's so busy with soccer, voice lessons, and 2 plays that she wears me out just following her schedule!).

Saturday and Sunday were spent getting the trailer ready for travel: loading the motorcycle and bicycles, stowing the groceries, putting away the laundry, hitching up the truck, etc. Amazing how much time it takes to move back into the trailer after just 3 short weeks at  my mom's. 

Saturday night MacKenzie, her mom Karen and dad Rich (my brother) came for pizza and a rousing game of Mexican Train Dominoes. Took us 3 hours to complete the entire game, with Karen winning by a good number of points.

We did take a break both days to attend MacKenzie's soccer games. Saturday they won 4:0 over Duluth Woodland, and Sunday 7:0 over Hermantown.  Final playoffs are next weekend; they’re first seed, and are looking to taking the series. For their age bracket (10-12), MacKenzie’s team Cloquet Jacks are really good, and it's so much fun to watch them play. We're keeping our fingers crossed for wins for them next weekend.

MacKenzie kick - she's awesome!

Peyton, one of MacKenzie's best friends

Monday we were up early and rarin' to go. After breakfast and loading a few more items, we were able to leave by about 9:15. It was a beautiful day for driving, with temps in the low 70s, bright sunshine, and a little breeze. We arrived at Blackhawk Park (a Corps of Engineers park) just north of DeSoto, Wisconsin along the Mississippi River. What a beautiful park! Here are a few photos; more to come.

Getting ready to leave Cloquet

Our site at Blackhawk Park, a Corps of Engineers park
along the "Mighty Mississippi"

Hope this finds you well. Feel free to send us an email--we'd love to hear from you. We have internet access at the DeSoto Public Library, but no cell service.

Hugs ‘n’ love,

Dick and Gail